In this section we've included resources for parents, professionals, or anyone who wants to learn more about identifying, reporting, treating, and preventing child abuse and neglect.
If you have questions, feel free to contact us via
email or by phone at (314) 534-9350.
The impact of child maltreatment can be profound. Research shows that child maltreatment is associated with adverse health and mental health outcomes in children and families, and those negative effects can last a lifetime. The long-term effects can be physical, psychological, or behavioral.
A history of child abuse or neglect has been associated with increased risk of mental illness, substance abuse, developmental disabilities and learning problems, social problems with other children and with adults, teen pregnancy, lack of success in school, alcohol and other drug use, and domestic violence.
In addition to the impact on the child and family, child abuse and neglect affect various systems— including medical and mental health, law enforcement, judicial, public social services, and nonprofit agencies—as they respond to the incident and support the victim. One analysis of the immediate and long-term economic impact of child abuse and neglect suggests that child maltreatment costs the nation as much as $258 million each day, or approximately $94 billion each year.
Find more information on the
Child Welfare Information Gateway website.